Brisbane Roar young gun Tommy Oar has been named in Australia’s expanded World Cup squad.

He joins Craig Moore in a preliminary thirty-one man squad for the tournament, starting in South Africa next month.

Elke Byrne reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

Roar teenager Tommy Oar has capped a whirlwind first year, named in the World Cup squad, joining former Brisbane team mate Craig Moore.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek says Oar, at just eighteen years old, is a promising addition to the national team, but he still needs to earn his place in the side.

Pim Verbeek, Socceroos Coach: “I know my players so well. I’ve been here two and a half years, So I have to find out in the coming days how they look like, if they’re fit, if they’re football-wise ready.”

New Roar midfielder Eric Paartalu says he’s proud to see Oar make the Australian squad.

Eric Paartalu, Roar Player: “I think he’s an exciting prospect and obviously we’re sad to lose him at Brisbane.”

Paartalu is keen to start his first season with the Roar, and to be back with his old coach after playing in Scotland.

Eric Paartalu, Roar Player: “I’ve worked with him with the Joeys and know what type of coach he is and I can definitely see Brisbane as a platform to better myself and further my career.”

Verbeek is confident – Harry Kewell suffering a groin injury – will be fit to play in time for the Socceroos opening World Cup match against Germany.

Elke Byrne, QUT News